Service providers removed a total of 713 image manipulation or deepfake posts involving political party leaders following requests from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) between Jan 1, 2025 and Sept 15, 2026, TV3 reported.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the removals were made based on complaints received, breaches of service providers’ community guidelines and violations of local laws.
He said misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), including deepfakes, scams and identity fraud, was dealt with according to the nature of the offence and the jurisdiction of the relevant enforcement agencies.
“For content that contains obscene, indecent, false, threatening, grossly offensive or harmful elements, MCMC can take action under the provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) or the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866),” he said.
Fahmi said this in a written parliamentary reply yesterday to Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who asked about the number of complaints and action taken against deepfake content involving political leaders between 2025 and 2026.
The question also covered measures to ensure enforcement was not selective based on the political position of individuals targeted by such content.
Fahmi said MCMC’s actions were based on the law, elements of an offence, facts and evidence, regardless of the political affiliation, position or background of those involved.
“For example, Section 233 of Act 588 sets out the elements of conduct and intent that must be fulfilled before an act can be considered an offence.
“Amendments to the section also include explanations of the elements of content, including what is meant by false, obscene, indecent, threatening and grossly offensive content,” he said.
He added that cases involving prosecution were referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers for assessment and could proceed only after the Public Prosecutor gave written consent.
Defendants also have the right to present their defence during trial before the court makes a decision, he said.
“The ministry also has checks and balances to ensure MCMC acts fairly and independently without external pressure,” Fahmi said.
Those dissatisfied with a decision can appeal to the Appeal Tribunal under Act 588 and Act 866 before seeking judicial review at the High Court if they remain dissatisfied with the tribunal’s decision.
